Dynamics of pollutant photoreactions in the hydrosphere

Abstract

Light-induced transformations of organic chemicals have been studied to provide kinetic results concerning the influence of sunlight on pollutant behavior in lakes and rivers. A review of these studies shows that the humus component of the dissolved organic matter in natural water affects aquatic photoreactions in two important ways: by attenuating sunlight and by sensitizing photoreactions. Studies of humus-sensitized photoreactions of furans, sulfides, dienes, nitroaromatic compounds, and other chemicals are discussed. Research concerning effects of aquatic particulates on pollutant photoreaction rates are reviewed. Suspended sediments mainly affect photolysis rates through light attenuation and scattering. Algae, diatoms, and bacteria accelerate light-induced transformations of anilines and phosphorothioate insecticides, suggesting that photobiological processes may play a significant role in the breakdown of certain pollutants in aquatic environments. Evidence is presented that nitrate, iron species, and peroxides may be responsible for sunlight-initiated free radical oxidations of pollutants in some natural waters.